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Madeira, Portugal

Travel guide · Portugal

Madeira: what to see and when to go

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Madeira is a volcanic island in the Atlantic with a mild climate all year, laurel forests, cliffs plunging into the sea and levadas, old irrigation channels turned into walking trails. It suits hikers and nature lovers more than beach lovers.

What to see and do in Madeira

  1. Levada walks

    Trails along irrigation channels, like 25 Fontes and Caldeirão Verde, through UNESCO-listed laurel forest.

  2. Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

    The classic ridge hike between the island's highest peaks, best at sunrise above the clouds.

  3. Funchal

    The capital: the Mercado dos Lavradores, the painted doors of the old town and the cable car to Monte.

  4. Porto Moniz

    Natural pools in black lava rock, filled by the ocean, on the north-west coast.

  5. Ponta de São Lourenço

    A bare, windswept peninsula at the eastern tip, with red and ochre cliffs.

Tours and tickets in Madeira

Best time to go

The most pleasant months: Jan – Feb.

Weather month by month
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg. high19°19°19°20°22°23°26°28°26°24°21°19°
Rainy days109121298439121211

Getting there

FromFlight timeReturn flight
London 3 hr, 45 min≈ €230 · See flights
New York 7 hr≈ €420 · See flights
Los Angeles 12 hr≈ €580 · See flights
Dubai 9 hr, 30 min≈ €520 · See flights
Singapore 17 hr≈ €690 · See flights
Sydney 24 hr, 45 min≈ €880 · See flights
Stay≈ €80 per night

3 nights from London: ≈ €470 per person, flight and stay included.

Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.

Essentials

Country
Portugal
Currency
Euro
Good for
nature · mountains · wild · sea
How long to stay
5–7 days
Where to stay
Funchal as a base for restaurants and buses; with a car, sleep on the north coast to be close to the trails.Find a place to stay in Madeira

Plan your trip

Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Madeira, one tap each.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the weather like in Madeira and when should you go?

The most pleasant months: Jan – Feb. Average highs range from 19° in January to 28° in August.

How many days do you need in Madeira?

5 to 7 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.

What does a few days in Madeira cost?

Accommodation runs at around €80 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €470 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 3 hr, 45 min.

Where should you stay in Madeira?

Funchal as a base for restaurants and buses; with a car, sleep on the north coast to be close to the trails.

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